[HawgRyder]

Walt...I ran into a clogged filter one time...it had some water (condensation..?) in the oil...and combined with the type of filtering material inside the unit...it turned into something like concrete!
Yes...it was a Fram...sry guys...small block chevy...but it proved to me that wierd things can and DO happen.
My other thought...is the pressure release valve working?
If that sticks in the case...and the oil is cold...you could get very high pressures.
Bob